Many people might think that the inner critic judging body size is just a way to promote weight loss, but experts disagree.
Dr. Rebecca Pearl, a clinical and health psychology professor at the University of Florida, points out a common misconception. “The belief has been that shaming someone about their weight will motivate them to eat less or exercise more,” she explains. “But research repeatedly shows this isn’t the case; in fact, it often leads to the opposite effect.”
Weight stigma is pervasive, affecting cultural attitudes, social interactions, and even the medical field, Pearl notes. One study highlights that those who faced weight stigma after bariatric surgery had higher chances of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating patterns. In contrast, individuals who encountered less stigma were more likely to sustain weight loss.
Additionally, Dr. Larissa McGarrity, a clinical psychologist at University of Utah Health, emphasizes that such biases not only harm mental health but also undermine efforts to adopt healthier behaviors. The notion that people should control their weight entirely creates harmful expectations. “It leads to a belief that individuals can manage their diets and exercise independently, solely based on personal responsibility,” Pearl contends.
The barriers to achieving ideal body shapes, such as limited access to healthy food or physical activity, are often overlooked. When people struggle with weight loss, society tends to view it as a moral failing, according to Dr. Alexis Conason, a psychologist specializing in eating disorders.
This narrative of personal accountability manifests through various channels, including media, direct comments, or even bullying. As Pearl remarks, these messages can be internalized, intensifying the psychological impacts. “Experiencing stigma is damaging, but internalizing it strongly predicts negative outcomes related to eating and overall health,” she says.
Physical activity is vital for numerous health benefits, yet many find it intimidating or challenging, which is exacerbated when there’s fear of judgment. Conason points out that the prospect of receiving critical comments about their weight makes exercising even harder for some individuals.
Research has indicated that those dealing with weight stigma are less likely to enjoy or feel confident about physical activity. Tomiyama mentions that the gym can be a particularly tough environment for those who have felt fat-shamed in the past.
The experience of being judged for one’s body can create stress that directly influences food choices. “Negative interactions, whether teasing or simply feeling watched, can lead people to cope through overeating, often opting for unhealthy foods,” says Pearl.
Such stress eating isn’t something people can easily shake off, as it’s rooted in our biology. Tomiyama explains that stress prompts the body to release cortisol, a hormone that enhances the appeal of high-calorie foods while impairing decision-making skills.
Regrettably, weight stigma is deeply ingrained in society, making it difficult to eliminate. Conason suggests that one approach to mitigating its effects in healthcare is to downplay the importance of BMI in assessing health, as it often misclassifies individuals.
In her practice, Conason aims to foster resilience in her clients, emphasizing that societal attitudes, not individual bodies, are the problem. “We might not change the culture, but we can work on how it impacts us,” she asserts.
This involves cultivating self-compassion, understanding the cultural influences of weight stigma, and promoting acceptance. If someone finds that internalized stigma is affecting their well-being, reaching out to mental health professionals or knowledgeable dietitians can be a beneficial starting point.
